LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT AND DEMOCRACY SPOTLIGHT

2014 RESULTS SUMMARY

It wasn't that the Republican candidates were great, it was that Democratic candidates were weak and we can fix that.

The 2014 elections are in the books and while Democratic losses reached historic levels there were some lessons to be learned and bright spots for progressives to celebrate. It was not that Republican candidates were great, it was that Democratic candidates were weak and we can fix that. Losses in states like Iowa, Nevada, and Ohio mounted due to uninspiring Democrats at the top of the ballot. Alma Adams did in fact become the 100th woman to serve in the 113th Congress and the 114th Congress will add at least three more to that tally. Women of color will enjoy better representation with 32 House Members slated to be seated in January.

In the Senate Democrats lost control of the chamber but gained in stature with the elevation of superstar Senator Elizabeth Warren to a leadership position. The new Senate will be led by Republican obstructionists that will have to appease at least five Democrats to move legislation — a task that became significantly more difficult given the smaller and more progressive composition of the Democratic caucus.

The House saw Republicans pad their majority with the many moderate Republicans winning close races. This will impact how Speaker Boehner may legislate and could further ostracize the far-right tea partiers.

At the state level Democrats lost four critical governorships in Maryland, Massachusetts, Illinois and Arkansas, but won in Pennsylvania. Nationwide Democrats also lost eleven legislative chambers.

So what happened? Big money certainly disguised voter’s economic self-interest, so those who voted to increase the minimum wage also voted for anti-union Gubernatorial candidates, for instance. Democrat Candidates who criticized Obama’s mistakes couldn’t offer compelling alternatives and appeared to pander to polls of likely voters. Candidates and media missed the opportunity to claim the big picture, the moral world view of good government as a system we build on, not starve which produced an inchoate mass of individuals who cannot effectively wield systemic power. Am I annoyed or what? Republican habits of recruiting women and people of color went unmatched by Dems, discouraging the rising American electorate.

Nationally Democrats were plagued by candidates that lacked the fire-in–the–belly will that progressive champions like Elizabeth Warren have made central to their platform. When these centrists ran at the top of the state ticket, they proved too immobile for the down ticket candidates to overcome. In Ohio Nina Turner shared the ballot with an ethically challenged Democrat running for Governor. The headwinds proved too much. Democrats also suffered monumental losses in Iowa (3 House Seats & 1 Senate Seat) and Nevada (1 House District & both Legislative Chambers), each dominated by uncompetitive Gubernatorial races. Meanwhile Oregon Democrats made gains at the state legislative level thanks to strong Gubernatorial and Senate candidates leading the ballot.

In Texas Wendy Davis gave it everything she had. We still believe that Wendy has plenty to offer but missteps throughout her campaign and a reliance on aggressive voter turnout proved too hard. In the end her nuanced message just did not connect with voters and she earned just 39% of the vote, losing by a similar margin as her running mate Letica Van de Putte. Neither candidate was able to mobilize the Latino vote effectively, less than six in ten Latino voters supported the Democrats.

In nearby New Hampshire mixed results led to the reelection of Senator Jeanne Shaheen, Rep Annie Kuster and Gov Maggie Hassan while Rep Carol Shea Porter lost her bid to return to Congress in a decades long battle with Frank Guinta. Hassan ran a strong campaign and identified with voters. Shaheen survived Scott Brown. Hassan’s success and her pragmatic approach have led her name to be mentioned as a possible Senatorial candidate in 2016. Whether running for Governor or Senate — we need Maggie Hassan on the ballot in 2016.

In California Rep Barbara Lee and AG Kamala Harris provide the best example of what strong progressive leadership can yield. Running with popular Governor Jerry Brown at the top of the ticket, Barbara Lee won 88% of the vote and Kamala Harris earned 58% of the vote. Lee will continue to push for progressive priorities in Congress while Harris could be representing California in the Senate soon.

Shenna Bellows and Heather Mizeur lost their campaigns this year but each can build from their strong efforts. Both have bright futures. Bellows would have been more competitive in any other cycle and even with the high turnout, the attention on the Maine Gubernatorial race she and other progressives in Maine found it difficult to break into the political conversation. Mizeur ran a strong effort in the Maryland Gubernatorial Primary and finished the cycle as the big winner among the three Democratic candidates, who ultimately lost the contest. We’ll keep you posted on her next move.

Massachusetts has more potential energy than kinetic. Our candidate development process has short term pragmatism (whoever has current name recognition is dubbed the front runner for the Dems) and needs a concerted effort by political forces of party, labor, civic organizations and donors to nominate and run effective candidates more oriented to the 99%. While she has proven to be an amazing and effective Attorney General, Martha Coakley rose through the system which rewards solid, tenacious, hard work and good ideas, but doesn’t promote connection to the Rising American Electorate. She is the third solid statewide office holder to lose the electorate.

Meanwhile openly gay, big bank curbing Maura Healy will be Attorney General. Rep Seth Moulton, a 36-year-old Iraq War veteran will also bring a fresh perspective as he replaces ethically damaged John Tierney, clearly even the frequent voters who turned out respond to morals more than competence.

True, our listed candidates on Maria’s List lost more than won but we proudly drove the political discourse towards bread and butter issues like jobs, schools and social safety net. Our opportunity today is insisting on policies that create wealth in low income and female households, on using excellent public education as the opportunity to become a contributing member of society, and reshaping the system for choosing and keeping public leaders.

LEADERSHIP SPOTLIGHT

Attorney General Kamala Harris is an aggressive progressive, and her record proves it. She was re-elected in November earning 58% of the vote. Her future is bright as she begins her Senate campaign.

Gov. Maggie Hassan, New Hampshire

Governor Maggie Hassan was the only female Democratic Governor in the nation. While she now shares that distinction with Gina Raimondo in Rhode Island her standing with the people of New Hampshire has not wavered. She won 53% of the vote in a state that saw competitive races throughout the ballot.

US Rep. Barbara Lee

Congresswoman Barbara Lee is a true champion of global peace and equality and her constituents rewarded her with 88% of the vote in November.

US Senator Jeanne Shaheen

Senator Shaheen finally dispatched Scott Brown once and hopefully for all. She won with 52% of the vote, maintaining female majority in the New Hampshire Congressional delegation.

US Senator Elizabeth Warren

Senator Warren was not on the ballot but her expedient ascension to leadership in the Senate ranks as a huge win for progressives.

Shenna Bellows

Shenna Bellows is earning recognition in national political circles. The upstart former Executive Director of Maine's ACLU chapter is a first-time political candidate who faced tremendous headwinds on her way to securing 32% of the vote. You have not heard the last of Ms. Bellows.

Martha Coakley: Massachusetts Attorney General and Candidate for Governor.

Martha Coakley gave Charlie Baker everything she had but ultimately lost by 1%. A tough primary campaign cost this much-improved campaigner dearly.

Wendy Davis and Leticia Van de Putte were the best chance for Democrats in Texas since Anne Richards. Unfortunately, Texas is not trending blue as quickly as some had hoped and each lost with approximately 39% of the vote.

Davis will look to rebound and no doubt continue the good progressive fight, while Van de Putte has already announced her intention to run for Mayor of San Antonio.

Heather Mizeur

Heather Mizeur ran a spirited campaign for Governor of Maryland. While she lost in the three-way primary with 22% of the vote, she notably had to quell write-in movements just weeks before Election Day. We are keeping our eyes on her.

Representative Carol Shea-Porter

Representative Carol Shea-Porter has seen her political fortunes rise and fall seemingly every other cycle. She kept the streak alive losing a tough campaign to perennial nemesis Frank Guinta 52% - 48%.

State Senator Nina Turner

Nina Turner is an Ohio State Senator that lost her bid for Secretary of State. She is young and charismatic with plenty of opportunities in her future. She will not be deterred by her 35% vote share in 2014.

STATEWIDE CANDIDATES 2012

CANDIDATE PROFILE

US HOUSE2012 Open Seats & Challengers
Results and Legislative Action

Progressives are winning important elections and growing in power in the Democratic Party.

For details, you may contact the research team at the Partnership by clicking here.

Suzanne Bonamici (OR-1)
won re-election in the November 2012 General Election 59.6% v 33%,
after winning a Special Election for Oregon's 1st District (OR-1) in
January 2012. Since taking office, Bonamici has voted for debate on measures in favor of nationwide early voting and more capacity at polling places (Election Standards), to protect the middle class and economic opportunity (TheMiddleClass.org), to prevent the Pentagon from avoiding cuts required by the "sequester" (HR 933). She voted against the Back-to-Work-Budget of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in March 2013 (TheMiddleClass.org),
and voted with the Republican majority to eliminate federal standards
to colleges and universities that receive federal funds (HR 2117). For her voting record in the House in 112th Congress, Bonamici
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-83%, The Human Rights Campaign - 100%, The Council
for a Livable World-100%, and The League of Conservation Voters-97%.
She sits on the House Committee on Education & the Workforce, and
Committee on Science, Space and Technology, and is a member of the
Progressive Caucus. For more detailed information on votes and bill
sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Val Demings (FL-10) was defeated 48.3% v 51.7% by incumbent conservative Brian Webster (R). Demings
is the former Police Chief of Orlando. She's a military and Coast Guard
veteran, African American and is credited with a dramatic reduction in
crime in Orlando. She ran on a progressive platform of investments in
job creation, Wall Street reform, clean energy, and environmental
protection. 2014?

Pete Gallego
defeated incumbent Tea Party Republican Francisco Canseco in November
was elected 50.3% v 45.6% in the sprawling swing district in west
Texas. Gallego previously served in the state legislature for 19 years, winning high praise from advocated in many areas. Gallego
is expected to play a very important leadership role in immigration
reform. He supports the Dream Act and is pro-choice. He opposed
vouchers and understands that public education is critical to economic
opportunity. In his first months in Congress, Gallego has cast votes to allow debate on measure in favor of nationwide early voting and more capacity at polling places (Election Standards).
He voted to renew the Violence Against Women Act, defend federal
support for veterans and senior citizens, and oppose Republican efforts
to weaken welfare further (ProgressivePunch.org). Though Gallego
has cast votes in Congress with progressives, he also with the
Republican majority on a number of budget and defense related measures (Budget votes), against the Back-to-Work-Budget of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in March 2013 (TheMiddleClass.org). He also voted with a Republican majority to freeze the pay of federal employees (HR 273), and on a stop-gap budget measure that gives the Pentagon flexibility to avoid cuts required by the sequester (HR 933).
Gallego sits on the House Committee of Agriculture, and the Committee
on Armed Services. For more detailed information on votes and bill
sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Michelle Lujan Grisham (NM-1)
defeated Maria's List candidate Eric Griego in the Democratic primary,
and was added to Maria's List for the 2012 November General Election. Lujan-Grisham defeated
Republican Janice Arnold-Jones 59.2% v 40.8%,for the seat vacated by
Martin Heinrich (D) who ran and was elected to the US Senate. In the
first three months of 2013, Lujan-Grisham has cast votes to allow debate on measures in favor of nationwide early voting and more capacity at polling places (Election Standards).
She voted to renew the Violence Against Women Act, defend federal
support for veterans and senior citizens, and oppose Republican efforts
to weaken welfare further (ProgressivePunch.org). She voted against a Republican measure to freeze the pay of federal employees (HR 273). On the federal budget, Lujan-Grisham voted against the Back to Work Budget of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in March 2013 (TheMiddleClass.org).
She also voted with the Republican majority on a stop-gap budget
measure that gives the Pentagon flexibility to avoid cuts required by
the “sequester.” (HR 933).
She was a Bernalillo County commissioner, and stepped down to run for
NM-1, more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Steve Horsford (NV4) won election 50.1% v 42.1% in a competitive new district. Horsford cast votes to allow debate on measures in favor of nationwide early voting and more capacity at polling places (Election Standards).
He voted to renew the Violence Against Women Act, defend federal
support for veterans and senior citizens, and oppose Republican efforts
to weaken welfare further (ProgressivePunch.org). He also voted against a Republican measure to freeze the pay of federal employees (HR 273).
He won in a new district that leans Democratic, and has cast votes with
progressives but also with the Republican majority on a stop-gap budget
measure that gives the Pentagon flexibility to avoid cuts required by
the “sequester.” (HR 933). He is not a member of the Progressive Caucus and voted against the Back to Work Budget of the in March 2013 (TheMiddleClass.org). Horsford
was the first African American ever to be state Senate Majority Leader,
the youngest, and the most progressive. For more detailed information
on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Ann McLane Kuster (NH-2)
defeated incumbent US Rep. Charlie Bass (R) 50.2% v 45.3%. She won in a
district that leans Democratic and has cast votes in Congress with
progressives, but also with the Republican majority on budget and
defense related measures. Kuster cast votes to allow debate on measures in favor of nationwide early voting and more capacity at polling places (Election Standards).
She voted to renew the Violence Against Women Act, defend federal
support for veterans and senior citizens, and oppose Republican efforts
to weaken welfare further (ProgressivePunch.org). Though Kuster
is a member of the Progressive Caucus she voted against the Back to
Work Budget of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in March 2013 (TheMiddleClass.org). She also voted with a Republican majority to freeze the pay of federal employees (HR 273), and on a stop-gap budget measure that gives the Pentagon flexibility to avoid cuts required by the “sequester.” (HR 933). Kuster
is a member of the Progressive Caucus, and sits on the House Committee
on Agriculture, Committee on Small Business, and Committee on
Veterans’ Affairs. For more detailed information on votes and
bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (NH-1) unseated
incumbent Republican Frank Guinta, 49.8% v 46.0%. Guinta ousted
Shea-Porter in the 2010 midterms. She represents a swing district, and
has cast votes in Congress with progressives but also with the
Republican majority on budget and Pentagon related measures. In the
first months of 2013, Shea-Porter cast votes to allow debate on measures in favor of nationwide early voting and more capacity at polling places (Election Standards).
She voted to renew the Violence Against Women Act, defend federal
support for veterans and senior citizens, and oppose Republican efforts
to weaken welfare further (ProgressivePunch.org), and voted against a Republican majority to freeze the pay of federal employees (HR 273). Shea-Porter voted against the Back to Work Budget of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in March 2013 (TheMiddleClass.org).
She also voted with the Republican majority on a stop-gap budget
measure that gives the Pentagon flexibility to avoid cuts required by
the “sequester.” (HR 933). For her voting record in the House in 109th and 110th Congress, Shea-Porter
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-NA, The Human Rights Campaign-100%, The Council for
a Livable World-NA, and The League of Conservation Voters-95%.
Shea-Porter is not a member of the Progressive Caucus, and she sits on
the House Committees on Armed Services, and on Natural Resources. For
more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Mark Takano (D)
cruised through his primary in the new CA-41 and won the General 57.6%
v 42.4%. Takano is a public school teacher and the very first openly
gay person to represent California in the US Congress. Takano
is a member of the Progressive Caucus and taken a leading role to
defend Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid from any cuts, together
with Alan Grayson (FL-9), Takano is circulating a
letter to President Obama pledging to vote against any cuts to these
programs, and the letter now has over 47 House members. Takano cast votes to allow debate on measures in favor of nationwide early voting and more capacity at polling places (Election Standards).
He voted to renew the Violence Against Women Act, defend federal
support for veterans and senior citizens, and against Republican
efforts to weaken federal welfare further (ProgressivePunch.org). Takano He is a member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and voted in favor of the caucus’ Back to Work Budget (TheMiddleClass.org). He also voted against a Republican measure to freeze the pay of federal employees (HR 273),
but voted with the Republican majority on a stop-gap budget measure
that gives the Pentagon flexibility to avoid cuts required by the
“sequester” (HR 933).
He sits on the House Committees on Science, Space and Technology, and
on Veterans’ Affairs. For more detailed information on votes and
bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

US HOUSE
2012 Progressive Incumbents
Results and Legislative Action

Candidates

Karen Bass (CA-37) won re-election 86.3% v 13.7%. First elected in 2010 election to replace retiring incumbent Diane Watson (D), Bass
ran for re-election in the newly drawn CA-37, a solid Democratic
district. She has voted consistently progressive since taking office in
January 2011. Before election to Congress she was Speaker of the
California Assembly. Bass is a member of the Progressive Caucus and voted in favor of the Back to Work Budget. Throughout her first term she voted to protect and expand the middle class (TheMiddleClass.org). She is a lead sponsor of HR 1330,
a bill to provide “student loan forgiveness, caps on interest
rates on Federal student loans, and refinancing opportunities for
private borrowers, and for other purposes.” For her voting record
in House in the 112th Congress, Bass received the
following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%, TheMiddleClass.org-100%, The
Human Rights Campaign-100%, The Council for a Livable World-92%, and
The League of Conservation Voters-89%. She sits on the House Committees
on Foreign Affairs, and on the Judiciary. For more detailed information
on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. André Carson (IN-7)
was re-elected in 2012, 62.9% v 37.1%. First elected to Congress in
2006, he is the only person of color from Indiana in Congress. He
represents a strong Democratic district. The second Muslim to be
elected to Congress, Carson is a strong supporter of public education, and is pro-choice. Carson is a member of the Progressive Caucus and voted for the Back to Work Budget, to protect and expand the middle class (TheMiddleClass.org).
For his voting record in House in the 112th Congress, Ellison received
the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%, TheMiddleClass.org-90%,
The Human Rights Campaign-83%, The Council for a Livable World-83%, and
The League of Conservation Voters-90%. He sits on the House Committees
on Armed Services, and on Transportation and Infrastructure. For more
detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. Donna Edwards (MD-4)
won election 77.2% v 20.7%. She was first elected to Congress in 2008
after defeating incumbent, fellow African American Democrat Al Wynn, in
the primary. She is a member of the Progressive Caucus and is the lead
sponsor of the bill, HJ Res 25,
to regulate corporate spending on elections by amending the
Constitution to overturn the Roberts Court ruling in Citizens United.
Overall she has one of the best voting records in the top progressive
tier. She has voted for measures to protect and support the middle
class (TheMiddleClass.org) For her voting record in House in the 112th Congress, Edwards
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-100%, The Human Rights Campaign-100%, The Council
for a Livable World-92%, and The League of Conservation Voters-97% For
more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. Keith Ellison (MN-5)
is African American and the first Muslim elected to Congress. He
represents a strong Democratic district faithfully and was re-elected
in 2012 74.7% v 25.3%. He is Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive
Congress and was a lead sponsor of the Back to Work Budget. He was a
sponsor of HR 505 Balancing Act to repeal the Sequester, and is a co-sponsor of the HR 269, the Fair Elections Now Act, and H.R. 280: Same Day Registration Act of 2013. For his voting record in House in the 112th Congress, Ellison received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%, TheMiddleClass.org 100%,
The Human Rights Campaign-100%, The Council for a Livable World-92%,
and The League of Conservation Voters-94%. First elected in 2006, Ellison sits on the House Committee of Financial Services. For more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. Chaka Fattah (PA-2)
won re-election 89.4% v 9.4%. He was first elected in 1994 and sits on
the House Appropriations Committee. He is a member of the Progressive
Caucus. He voted for the Back to Work Budget, and voted to protect and
support the middle class. However Fattah voted for the Surface Transportation Extension Act (HF4348), that would fast-track the Keystone XL pipeline. For his voting record in House in the 112th Congress, Fattah
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-90%, The Human Rights Campaign-100%, The Council for
a Livable World-92%, and The League of Conservation Voters-89%. For
more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. Raúl Grijalva (AZ-7)
won re-election 58.4% v 37.19% and he represents a solidly Democratic
district faithfully. He is Co-Chair of the Congressional Progressive
Congress and was a lead sponsor of the Back to Work Budget. He has one
of the best voting records in the top progressive tier. For his voting
record in House in the 112th Congress, Grijalva
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-100%, The Human Rights Campaign-100%, The Council
for a Livable World-92%, and The League of Conservation Voters-96%. Grijalva
sits on the House Committee on Education and the Workforce, and on
Natural Resources. For more detailed information on votes and bill
sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Colleen Hanabusa (HI-1) was re-elected 54.6% v 45.4%. First elected to Congress in 2010. Hanabusa
has voted with progressives in most areas since taking office in
January 2011, but has made a number of votes opposing reductions in
military spending and troop levels in Europe, against reducing US
expenditures in Afghanistan and withdrawal by the end of 2011, and in
favor of new missile systems and assault vehicles (ProgressivePunch.org).
She supports women's rights and choice, greater federal support for
public education, and higher taxes on upper incomes. For her voting
record in House in the 112th Congress, Hanabusa
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-78%, The Human Rights Campaign-90%, The Council for
a Livable World-75%, and The League of Conservation Voters-96%. For
more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. Michael Honda (CA-17)
was re-elected to his seventh term 73.3% v 26.7%. His is a strong
progressive whose Congressional votes are in line with the solidly
liberal Democratic district he represents. He voted for the Back to
Work Budget in March 2013, and voted throughout 2012 to protect and
support the middle class (TheMiddleClass.org). For his voting record in House in the 112th Congress, Honda
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-100%, The Human Rights Campaign-100%, The Council
for a Livable World-92%, and The League of Conservation Voters-99%. Now
in his seventh term, he the sits on the House Committee on
Appropriations, Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science,
Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and the
Subcommittee on Legislative Branch. For more detailed information on
votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. Barbara Lee (CA-13)
won re-election 86.6% v 13.4%. She was a founder of the Out of Iraq
Caucus and has been a leader of congressional efforts to end the US
wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and was the single vote to oppose
authorization for the Bush Administration for military action in
Afghanistan. Lee voted for the Back to Work Budget in March 2013, and voted throughout 2012 to protect and support the middle class (TheMiddleClass.org). For her voting record in House in the 112th Congress, Lee
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-100%, The Human Rights Campaign-100%, The Council
for a Livable World-100%, and The League of Conservation Voters-96%.
For more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. John Lewis (GA-5)won
re-election 84.4% v 15.5%. He was first elected in 1986. He voted for
the Back to Work Budget in March 2013, and voted throughout 2012 to
protect and support the middle class (TheMiddleClass.org). For his voting record in House in the 112th Congress, Lewis
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-100%, The Human Rights Campaign-100%, The Council
for a Livable World-92%, and The League of Conservation Voters-92%. For
more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. Ben Luján (NM-3)
was re-elected 63.1% v 36.9%. He was first elected to Congress in 2010.
Lujan is a member of the Progressive Caucus, but voted against the Back
to Work Budget (TheMiddleClass.org). For his voting record in House in the 112th Congress, Lujan
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-90%, The Human Rights Campaign-90%, The Council for
a Livable World-83%, and The League of Conservation Voters-97%. For
more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. Doris Matsui (CA-6)
won election to her sixth term 74.6% v 25.4%. She is a leading
progressive Asian American from a strong Democratic district who votes
accordingly. Matsui is a member of the Progressive Caucus, but voted
against the Back to Work Budget and for the South Korea Trade Agreement
(TheMiddleClass.org). For her voting record in House in the 112th Congress, Matsui
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-80%, The Human Rights Campaign-100%, The Council for
a Livable World-92%, and The League of Conservation Voters-96%. For
more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-4) won election 74.6% v 25.4%. First elected to Congress in 2004, Moore
is an emerging leader, seasoned and principled. She represents a strong
liberal district in Milwaukee and votes accordingly. For her voting
record in House in the 112th Congress, Sanchez received the following
scores: Planned Parenthood-100%, TheMiddleClass.org-100%, The Human
Rights Campaign-100%, The Council for a Livable World-92%, and The
League of Conservation Voters-92%. For more detailed information on
votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. Linda Sanchez (CA-38)
won election 86.3% v 13.7%. She was first elected to Congress in 2002,
represents a strong Democratic district and votes accordingly. For her
voting record in House in the 112th Congress, Sanchez
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-100%, The Human Rights Campaign-100%, The Council
for a Livable World-92%, and The League of Conservation Voters-89%. For
more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. Jan Schakowsky (IL-9)
is a leader on job creation, the budget, and deficit and put her own
budge proposal together after the President's Fiscal Commission
could not reach agreement. She's a leader for fair taxes and higher
rate for incomes 1 million and up and is lead sponsor of the Fair Taxation Act of 2011 and the Patriot Corporations of America Act of 2011. For her voting record in House in the 112th Congress, Schakowsky
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-100%, The Human Rights Campaign-100%, The Council
for a Livable World-100%, and The League of Conservation Voters-97%.
For more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Terri Sewell (AL-7) won her re-election 75.9% v 24.1%. She was first elected to Congress in 2010. Sewell
represents a strong Democratic district in the South, and while she has
cast votes in Congress with progressives, she has sided with the
Republican majority on a number of issues. In her first term, Sewell
has voted in favor higher taxes on high incomes, and for social welfare
programs. But has a very moderate even conservative record on national
security in her first term voting for the Patriot Act, and in favor of
military spending on big systems and hardware. In the first month of
the new, 113th Congress, Sewell has cast votes with
progressives to allow debate on measures in favor of nationwide early
voting and more capacity at polling places (Election Standards),
to renew the Violence Against Women Act, defend federal support for
veterans and senior citizens, and oppose Republican efforts to weaken
welfare further (ProgressivePunch.org), and opposed the pay-freeze for federal workers (ProgressivePunch.org). Sewell has also sided with the Republican majority on a number of issues: on a number of budget and defense related measures (Budget votes), and against the Back to Work Budget of the Congressional Progressive Caucus in March 2013 (TheMiddleClass.org).
She voted with the Republican majority and conservative Democrats
against a withdrawal of federal funding for local police and sheriffs
enforcement of federal immigration law (HR 2017). For her voting record in House in the 112th Congress, Sewell
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-70%, The Human Rights Campaign-75%, The Council for
a Livable World-67%, and The League of Conservation Voters-80%. For
more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

For details, you may contact the research team at the Partnership by clicking here.

US SENATE 2012
Open Seats & Challengers
Election Results

If elected, these candidates would preserve the Democratic majority in the Senate and bring new progressives into the Senate.

Candidates

Rep. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI)
won election 51.4% v 45.9% and is the first openly gay person elected
to the US Senate. She was first elected to the US House in 1998,
becoming the first woman from Wisconsin to serve in Congress. Baldwin
has developed an impressive resume over the years and is considered one
of the most progressive and outspoken Members of the House. For her
voting record in House in the 112th Congress, Baldwin
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-89%, The Human Rights Campaign-100%, The Council for
a Livable World-100%, and The League of Conservation Voters-97%. For
more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Rep. Mazie Hirono (HI-2)
won election 62.6% v 37.4%, filling the seat of Sen. Daniel Akaka
(D-HI) who is retired. Hirono was first selected to the US House in
2006. She was represented a strong Democratic district and her votes in
the House reflect her constituency. Hirono
has consistently cast progressive votes and is pro-choice, supports
federal funding for public education and opposes vouchers for private
schools, voted against the Patriot Act and supports ending the wars in
Iraq and Afghanistan. As US Rep. Hirono helped secure
the right of self-governance for native Hawaiians. She has however
recently cast votes opposing reductions in military spending and the
number of troops in Europe, against reducing US expenditures in
Afghanistan and withdrawal by the end of 2011, and voted in favor or
new missile systems and assault vehicles. For her voting record in the
House in 112th Congress, Hirono received the
following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%, TheMiddleClass.org-100%, The
Human Rights Campaign-100%, The Council for a Livable World-50%, and
The League of Conservation Voters-92%. For more detailed information on
votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
won the election 53.8% v 46.2%, unseating Republican Scott Brown, and
put the Massachusetts' seat back in Democratic control. Her victory
helped Democrats retain control of the US Senate. This is Warren's
first elected office. She previously served President Obama and led
creation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, one of the
biggest achievements of the President's administration. Warren has
added a strong liberal voice to the US Senate and brings a forceful
voice to the efforts to regulate Wall Street and financial institutions
generally. For more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship,
visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

US SENATE 2012
Empowering Progressive Leadership
Election Results

Your support of progressive incumbents in the
Senate will add to their leverage and influence, enhancing their
ability to advance a progressive agenda on Capitol Hill.

Candidates

Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH)
has quickly become one of the strongest progressive leaders in the US
Senate. He won re-election 50.7% v 44.7%. First elected in 2006, Brown won
with 56%, ousting two-term Republican incumbent Mike DeWine. Brown was
in the US House from 1993-2006 prior to becoming Senator. Brown has voted consistently for progressive policies. Sen. Brown
has been a staunch opponent of the US war in Iraq and withdrawal from
Afghanistan, a leader on health care reform and public investments in
job creation, women's rights and choice, civil liberties, racial and
marriage equality. For his voting record in 112th Congress, Brown
received the following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%,
TheMiddleClass.org-100%, The Human Rights Campaign-100%, and The League
of Conservation Voters-93%. For more detailed information on votes and
bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
won election with 71.9% v 26.7%. First elected in November 2010, with
63%, she has generally voted with progressives since her initial
appointment to replace Hilary Clinton. She ranks in the top tier of
Senate progressives. She is pro-choice and has voted to expand health
care, to expand the middle class and support opportunity for low and
moderate income people. She supports a path to citizenship for
undocumented immigrants, the DREAM Act and an end to workplace raids.
She voted to expand health care, supported union card-check, greater
federal funding for public education and equal pay for women, and
higher tax rates on upper incomes. For her voting record in 112th
Congress, Gillibrand received the following scores:
Planned Parenthood-100%, TheMiddleClass.org-100%, The Human Rights
Campaign-100%, and The League of Conservation Voters-92%. For more
detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
won election 71% v 24.9%. He is a leading progressive in the US Senate.
His work for fair taxes, for health care reform, for changes in the
filibuster and other issues puts him in the forefront of progressive
politics. He is an independent member of the Senate, but participates
in the Democratic caucus. Reliably outspoken, he led a standing
filibuster in December of 2010, holding the Senate floor for 8 hours
and 37 minutes advocating for higher taxes on upper incomes in
opposition to the extension of the Bush tax cuts. For his voting record
in 112th Congress, Sanders received the following
scores: Planned Parenthood-100%, TheMiddleClass.org-100%, The Human
Rights Campaign-100%, and The League of Conservation Voters-95%. For
more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI)
won election 58.8% v 38% to her third term. She was the first woman
elected US Senator from Michigan, beating incumbent Spencer Abraham (R)
by 1% in 2000. She has strong voting record supporting women's rights
and choice, for fair trade policies that increase labor and
environmental standards among trading partners and protect jobs in the
US, for national health care reform and reforming the justice system.
That said, she has also voted to prevent higher mpg standards for cars,
voted in favor of harsher bankruptcy rules for individuals, to provide
immunity for telecommunications companies that supplied information
unlawfully for the Bush Administrations illegal wiretapping efforts,
and opposed measures that would address global warming. For her voting
record in 112th Congress, Stabenow received the
following scores: Planned Parenthood-100%, TheMiddleClass.org-90%, The
Human Rights Campaign-79%, and The League of Conservation Voters-85%.
For more detailed information on votes and bill sponsorship, visit ProgressivePunch.org and GovTrack.us.

Senate Races to Watch

GOVERNORS 2012
Election Results

Your support of progressive incumbents in the
Senate will add to their leverage and influence, enhancing their
ability to advance a progressive agenda on Capitol Hill.

Candidates

Governor of New Hampshire - Maggie Hassan won election 54.6% v 42.5%. Hassan
was Majority Leader in the NH Senate, and has a strong record of
progressive accomplishments. She is a driving force behind passage of
marriage equality, helped establish universal kindergarten for all
children in 2008, and added the state to the regional effort to reduce
greenhouse gases (RGGI).

For details, you may contact the research team at the Partnership by clicking here.

STATEWIDE CANDIDATES 2012
Election Results

Candidates

Kathleen Kane (D-AG)
won election 56.1% v 41.6%. She is the first woman elected as AG, and
the first Democrat, since the AG became an elected office in the early
1970's. She has led prosecutorial efforts going after child and sexual
abuse, insurance fraud, elder abuse, and helped build out an innovative
county legal program addressing mental health issues. Kane
is socially liberal, but is on the record opposing the card-check
option for forming unions. Pennsylvania has a death penalty in place
and Kane has pursued the penalty in some instances.

Ellen Rosenblum (D-AG) won her first election 56.3% v 39.2%. She appointed in June to replace the incumbent AG who resigned. Rosenblum
is the first women to hold the AG's office and will be on the ballot in
November, and is expected to win. She supports marriage equality, will
protect the rights of use to medical marijuana, pledges to pursue hate
crimes aggressively, financial and mortgage fraud, and protect
consumers. She was a federal prosecutor in Eugene and Portland for nine
years, and then appointed a trial-court judge in 1989. In 2005, she
became an Oregon Court of Appeals judge. Oregon is a death penalty
state and, though she personally opposes it, Rosenblum has presided over such cases and stated she will enforce it and other laws with which she disagrees.

For details, you may contact the research team at the Partnership by clicking here.

Candidates on Maria's
List won the overwhelming majority of their races in the 2012 General
Election November 6th. Out of 34 candidates on Maria's List, 33 were
elected. Eight of our races were considered very tight and progressives
came out on top in seven.

We helped to increase the number of women in the Congress by seven: four in the US House, and two in the Senate.

We helped to increase the number of people of color by three, all in the House.

And Maria's List helped to elect women Governor of New Hampshire, and Attorney General in Pennsylvania, and Oregon.

Maria's List

2012 General Election Results By the Numbers

Candidates Listed 34

Winners 33

Tight Races - 5

Winners 4

Women Added - 7

Senate 3 House 4

People of Color Added - 3

House 3

Gays Added - 2

Senate 1 House 1

In
the House of Representatives, we looked for candidates 1) in new added
districts, 2) in districts with new boundaries, and 3) in districts
that swung Republican in 2010 but where Obama won in 2008. In the
Senate, we would support the new progressive candidates, and
progressives running for re-election. With these criteria we selected
candidates, each of whom reflect the values and strength of conviction
of Maria and her network of political donors.

In
the US House, eight candidates were supported. Seven were winners and
defeated incumbent Republicans or won open seats. Two progressive women
replaced conservative Republican men, and two progressive women
replaced Democratic men. Three progressive men of color won.

In
the US Senate, Maria's List supported three new candidates, all women,
and each won election: Baldwin in Wisconsin, Hirono in Hawaii, and
Warren in Massachusetts.

New
US House candidates of color Horsford (NV-4) and Takano (CA-41) beat
Republicans in newly created districts. Gallego (TX-23) defeated an
incumbent Republican in a district with new lines. Progressive women
Shea-Porter and Kuster (NH-2) defeated incumbent Republicans who won in
2010. Bonamici (OR-1) and Lujan-Grisham retained an open Democratic
seat.

All progressive incumbents on Maria's List, House and Senate, were all re-elected.

Three
new challengers were listed for statewide offices also. Maggie Hassan
(D) was elected Governor of New Hampshire. In Pennsylvania, Kathleen
Kane (D) and Ellen Rosenblum in Oregon were the first women elected
Attorney General.

The
2010 elections proved to be historic, and sadly, historically bad for
Democratic candidates, incumbents and new candidates both.
However, progressive incumbents on Maria's List were
overwhelmingly re-elected and new progressive leaders won some very
significant races. In particular, victories by Colleen Hanabusa (HI-1), Patty Murray (WA-Sen), Deval Patrick (MA-Gov), and Kamala Harris (CA-AG) stand out.

Though
Democrats lost majority status in the House, the Congressional
Progressive Caucus will remain the largest caucus and Republican
efforts to unseat its Co-Chair, Raúl Grijalva (AZ-7) were thwarted.

Democrats retained their
Senate majority and the wins in Colorado and Nevada were propelled by
Latino voters, highlighting their importance to Democratic and
progressive majorities.

Maria's List
candidates who lost were first-term leaders running for re-election or
new candidates. The two exceptions included losses by incumbents Sen. Russell Feingold of Wisconsin, and US Rep. Carol Shea-Porter from New Hampshire's CD-1 who was running for her third term.

Winning new candidates for congress Karen Bass (CA-33), Colleen Hanabusa (HI-1), and Terri Sewell (AL-7) were each elected to the US House from solidly Democratic districts. Hanabusa ousted a Republican who held the seat briefly after winning a Special Election in May 2010.

Maria's List Candidates
2010 Results for Women & People of Color

US HOUSE

Fm

W

W%

PoC

W

W%

Open Seat & Challengers

5

3

60%

6

3

50%

First Term & Contested

4

1

25%

3

3

100%

Progressive Incumbents

7

7

100%

10

10

100%

Total

16

11

69%

19

16

84%

US SENATE

Fm

W

W%

PoC

W

W%

Progressive Incumbents

3

3

100%

0

0

0%

Total

3

3

100%

0

0

0%

Governors

Fm

W

W%

PoC

W

W%

Open Seats & Challengers

2

0

0

2

0

0%

Progressive Incumbents

0

0

0

1

1

100%

Total

2

0

0

2

1

100%

State

Fm

W

W%

PoC

W

W%

Open Seats & Challengers

1

1

100%

1

0

0

All

Fm

W

W%

PoC

W

W%

Total

22

15

68%

22

17

77%

Fm = Female, PoC = Person of Color, W = Winners, W% = Percent Winning

US Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY)
won her first election to the Senate after being appointed in 2009 to
replace Sen. Hillary Clinton. In the race for US Senator from New
Hampshire, Democrat Paul Hodes was defeated by Republican Kelly Ayotte.

Of 8 Races to Watch, two Democrats pulled victories.US Rep. Betty Sutton was re-elected with 55%, holding on to US Sen. Sherrod Brown's former House district. In New Orleans (LA-2), as expected, Cedric Richmond (D) ousted Republican Anh "Joseph" Cao (66/33%).

In state contests, Governor of Massachusetts Deval Patrick was re-elected. In California, rising star District AttorneyKamala Harris
was elected Attorney General in her first statewide campagin, and by a
very slim margin. That said, Democrats suffered major losses at the
state level, including losses by Maria's List candidate for Governor of Maine, Libby Mitchell (D), for Lt. Governor of Alaska Native American Diane Benson (D), and for State Treasurer of Ohio Kevin Boyce (D). Significantly, Race to Watch candidate for Ohio Lt. Governor Yvette McGee Brown was named to the Ohio Supreme Court by her running mate, out-going Governor Strickland.

A Donor Strategy to Put Progressives in the Lead

Early support of progressives helps to shape the race. We start our search for viable progressive candidates and then focus on candidates who promote
peace, democratic participation, public education, public financing of
elections, fair and progressive taxes, candidates who represent
low-income and people of color, and candidates with whom our clients
can maintain relationships.

Deliver your
contributions through a progressive champion who represents a low and
moderate-income district and is a leader on your priorities.
She gets credit for delivering contributions to other candidates, to
the DCCC or DSCC, and that raises her status and influence in the
Congress and the party.

Make campaign contributions to a Leadership PAC sponsored by an elected incumbent.
Leadership PAC funds are spent on other candidates. One example is
“One Voice,” which supports a strategic and principled
progressive woman of color asserting leadership, bolstering viable
progressive challengers and vulnerable progressive incumbents. Rep.
Barbara Lee is the Honorary Chair.

Add more value to your contributions:
bring the achievements of the candidates you support to the attention
of Democratic Party leadership. Advocate for Party dollars to support
the campaigns of progressives. Remind Party operatives there are money
and votes in going progressive.

For details, you may contact the research team at the Partnership by clicking here.

Listing Criteria: Progressive Leaders & Candidates

1. Has a progressive policy agenda and voting record.

2.
Leads on critical issues: ending and prevents military action
intervention in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan; supporting public
education; fair and progressive taxes; representative and inclusive
democracy and public financing of elections; comprehensive and just
immigration reform; defending and expanding national health care
reform; expanding and defending labor unions; fair trade; leaders on a
particular progressive cause.

3. Helps achieve greater proportional numbers for Women and People of Color.

4. Election would increase the voting bloc supporting low and moderate income communities.